I'm looking at swapping my worn out WTB 26x2.1 tyres for some Conti X-Kings, on my Felt Q620. The X-Kings come in 2 widths 2.1 and 2.4 - I'm leaning towards the 2.4's - but I'm concerned about frame clearance.. The WTB 2.1 is pretty wide, but I'm reading the Conti's come up small - Anyone had any issues with the 2.4s clearing the frame ?

Most XC frames that come stock with 2.1's would max out at about 2.3. Remember you need to allow for tyre deformation under load as well as mud clearance

I run Schwalbe 2.25's (NN front RR back) and the traction improvement over 2.1" is very worthwhile, and it rolls better too.

No experience with Conti's except a failed attempt to fit a bargain-bin Vertical Pro onto a DT Swiss X-430 fitted with a Stans kit. Seriously tight bead, wasn't worth breaking my tyre levers just to get it on. Maxxis and Schwalbe UST, not a problem.

Well I fitted the Conti 2.4's - fit fine on the front, and a slight amount of frame rub on the rear.. which is annoying - I don't think the wheel is set at an angle.. I've reseated it several times, and the rub is just on about 10cms of the tire.. does that mean the wheel is not quite true ?

Only other alternatives are to downsize or maybe re-bend the frame slightly ? .. which is not what I'd want to do.

If the tyre is rubbing at any point, it is *much* too wide for the frame. You need to allow for mud clearance and rim flex as noted above. Follow your frame manufacturer's recommendation. Frame tubes are really thin (typically <1mm wall thickness), it does not take much wear to fatally compromise the structural integrity of the chainstays - not worth the risk.

It's fine to go with a narrower tyre on the rear, and it's a common setup among the guys I race with. You'll notice a slightly less plush ride but it won't affect handling all that much. I'd also suggest a lower tread height tyre for the rear as well for improved rolling resistance. Example: I run a semi-chunky Nobby Nic on the front with a Racing Ralph on the rear. Works great. Great cornering confidence* and rolling resistance is comparable to Crossmarks.

I used to run a 2.1 on the rear / 2.25 front but now use 2.25 both ends because it rolls a little better. When I go 29er I want to try a 2.4 on the front.

PS: what do you think of those rubber-cased tail lights? I think they're quite OK for brightness, but not that great for battery life between charges.

They are really reliable in wet conditions. One of mine break because the usb connector is weakly mounted and can break, but even 40km on a wet day on the roadbike won't turn them off if they are charged.

Mugglechops wrote:Not sure how they will be after what looks to be a very muddy Husky100 next Saturday.

A lot of our local guys have elected to give it the miss this year. Sick of destroying their bikes. Word is the singletrack is fine, but the fire trails have too many unavoidable bogs. And there's lots of fire trail.

A singlespeed would work, though. If I were you I'd take an extra bottle of clean water and a couple of sets of spare brake pads - you will need them. Otherwise budget for replacing your brake calipers - you'll likely wear through the pads and backing plate to the piston ... if some of my friends' experience is an indication.

Mugglechops wrote:Not sure how they will be after what looks to be a very muddy Husky100 next Saturday.

A lot of our local guys have elected to give it the miss this year. Sick of destroying their bikes. Word is the singletrack is fine, but the fire trails have too many unavoidable bogs. And there's lots of fire trail.

A singlespeed would work, though. If I were you I'd take an extra bottle of clean water and a couple of sets of spare brake pads - you will need them. Otherwise budget for replacing your brake calipers - you'll likely wear through the pads and backing plate to the piston ... if some of my friends' experience is an indication.

Good luck

Yes you are correct I rode sweep last year and my bike took a hammering. Plus they are my local trails with the dirt starting about 150 metres from my front door. I avoid riding anywhere near after rain.

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